Mutualism, Parasitism,

Commensalism , and Adaptation

Mutualism

Mutualisms are defined as interactions

between organisms of two different species, in
which each organism benefits from the
interaction in some way. Mutualisms may
involve either the exchange of resources, such
as shelter, food and other nutrients, or they
may involve the exchange of services, such as
protection, transportation or healthcare.

202000140 2
Sea anemones and Clownfish
A clownfish are usually found living on the tentacles of a sea anemone,
which stings almost all other fishes. The clownfish has a mucus on the skin,
which protects itself from the sting and protects the anemones from the
butterfly fish. At the same time, the anemone serves as a safe place for the
clown fish.

Flowers and Bees

The bees get nectar from the flowers in order to make honey and gives
pollen to the flowers, which then pollinates in order to make another plant.
The bees now have a supply of food, while the flowers can now reproduce.

3
Oxpeckers and Zebras/Rhinos
The oxpecker avian lives on the zebra or rhino and eats all the bugs and
parasites residing on either of the two. At the same time, whenever there is
danger to the zebra or rhino, the bird flies high to alert other animals to a
predator.

Yucca moth and Yucca plant

The moth aids in pollinating the plant. The plant, in return, serves as nest
for the moth’s eggs.

4
Parasitism
The word parasite is derived from the Latin
form of the Greek word, meaning “one who
eats at the table of another”. Parasitism is
generally defined as a relationship between the
two living species in which one organism is
benefitted at the expense of the other. The
organism that is benefitted is called the
parasite, while the one that is harmed or
sometimes killed is called the host.

202000140 5
Deer and ticks
The tick embeds it self under the deer skin and sucks the deer blood. This
causes the deer serious discomfort but makes the tick happy.

Dogs and Fleas

Fleas harm their hosts, such as dogs, by biting their skin, sucking their
blood, and causing them to itch. The fleas, in turn, get food and a warm
home.

6
In Plants
Aphids are small green insects that parasitize plants by eating their sap.
Many types of fungi can also attack plants and can spoil wheat, fruit, and
vegetables.

Louse
The louse is a parasite that attaches itself to human hair and feeds on
human blood. Lice typically feed on blood four to five times each day.
They use their mouth parts to bite into the skin and secrete a substance that
acts to block clotting.

7
Commensalism

Commensalism is a relationship between

individuals of two species in which one species
obtains food or other benefits from the other
without either harming or benefiting the latter.

202000140 8
Remora (Shark)
A remora (Echeneis naucrates) and its host, a zebra shark (Stegostoma
fasciatum). By attaching itself to the shark, the remora is carried along
by the shark, allowing the remora to travel to different areas without
having to expend its own energy to swim. The shark is completely
unaffected by the remora's presence.

Barnacles and Turtles

Barnacles attach themselves to turtles, whales and other marine animals in
order to hitch a free ride to nutrient rich waters. The turtle is neither harmed
nor benefited by the barnacles as long as there aren’t too many attached to
its shell.

9
Poison Dart Frogs and Leafy Plants
Poison dart frogs will often move to the undersides of large plant leaves or
under the leaves themselves as protection from the elements or from
predators. The frogs benefit by having a place of protection, while the plant
is unaffected by the frogs using them as a temporary place to hide.

Lesser Burdock and Black Bears

Black bear brushes against the plant and carries the burr on its fur until
sometime later when the burr falls off. The seeds within the burr can then
germinate in an area far from the parent plant, where there is likely less
competition for resources. The burdock benefits from the seed dispersal,
and the black bear neither benefits nor is harmed from the burr clinging to
its fur for a short period of time. 

10
Adaptation
Adaptation is the physical or behavioral
characteristic of an organism that helps an
organism to survive better in the surrounding
environment.

202000140 11
Meerkats’ Coloring Helps Them See
They can see danger coming from every angle – even before they’re spotted
by the predators themselves!

Pufferfish Expand in Size

If a predator gets too close, the pufferfish can ingest water and
air very quickly, making them several times larger than their
normal size.

12
Tigers Disappear in the Shadows
Tigers are famous for their beautiful stripes. But those stripes aren’t just
decoration: they help tigers lurk in shadowy jungles. Their stripes camouflage
them in the shadows cast by tall trees and branches, making them almost
invisible to unsuspecting prey.

Irrawaddy Dolphins Help Fishermen

Dolphins are an example of animals who have adapted to human presence in
their environment. The Irrawaddy dolphins chase fish to the boats and signal
where the fishermen should throw their nets.

13